It’s almost December and it’s already the season of Advent – the expectation of Jesus arrival. I got to thinking about writing something for Advent (this blog started with a series of Advent post several years ago) and Advent snuck up on me. Much like Christmas does for a lot of us. SO, I got to thinking about Jesus and His first arrival and His expected second appearance.And I got to thinking about how we are often wrong in our thinking about both (just as the people have always seemed to have been). So, over the next few weeks, I’m going to share some thoughts on “Jesus is coming”.
There’s the saying “Jesus is coming… look busy” on bumper stickers and internet memes. And it’s a bit funny but we often act like we just need to look busy and the Cosmic Boss will find us doing “work” and be pleased. The Christmas season seems to filled more and more with just busy-ness and I think we miss a lot of the joy of the season. Even Christians seem to forget the “reason for the season” and get caught in the just being busy and Advent and Christmas sneek up.
I challenge you to slow down enough to enjoy Advent and not just strive to look busy this season; even if you are busy for good reasons. The Psalmist quotes God as saying “Be still and know that I am God”. Peace is one of the declarations of the angels at the first coming and its a part of the season that we all need in our lives. Jesus is coming but it’s not cause to add more stress to our lives – we should be facing that fact with joy and expectation of goodness – yes, just like children anticipating Christmas morning.
The gospel tells of Mary and Martha – and Mary was said to have chosen the better way: sitting at the feet of Jesus. Maybe we need to add that to our celebration of the season.
Be well,
Steve
